Often, parents will speak to one of our speech language pathologists, asking whether their child’s struggle with language development warrants speech therapy, or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, if speech therapy will help their nonverbal child. At Peak Potential Therapy, we strongly believe in speech-language therapy as a benefit to all children, whether they are struggling with speech rhythm, such as stuttering, or have an inability to make speech sounds. These are just a few of the primary benefits for children:
- Speech therapy gives children a voice. If a child is nonverbal, and has difficulty producing any sounds at all, they lack a voice and a way to communicate. Through speech therapy and forms of aided communication, like technology communication devices, children learn a way to communicate with their parents and family members.
- Speech therapy teaches children expressive language skills. Speech therapy is not only about the physical ability to speak, but about language. When we communicate with others, we use so much more than simply words—we communicate through eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and so on. When children learn these methods of communication, they can more easily communicate with and understand those around them.
- Speech therapy promotes self-confidence. When a child struggles with a speech disorder or delay, they likely also struggle with a lack of confidence and self-esteem, especially in situations with their peers. Working with a speech language pathologist, a child will gain an ability to communicate, giving them more confidence to engage and interact with peers.
To learn more about speech language therapy services offered at Peak Potential Therapy, contact us today. You can also assess your child’s skills with this speech-language self-evaluation before calling to schedule a formal assessment.